Speaking to 3AW presenters Ross Stevenson and Russel Howcroft this morning, Hadley said he received a desperate message from Singleton on Saturday evening.
“I got a text from Singo at about half past 6, pleading for me to ring him,” Hadley said.
“I didn’t know what it was about. We have been mates for 30 years.”
When Hadley rang his good friend back, he was beside himself with worry.
“He said, ‘I think my Dawnie is one of those who lost their life and I can’t confirm it.’ Can you do something?'” Hadley said.
Hadley began ringing his police contacts, before managing to get on the line with NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb.
“(I) asked if she had any names and she said, ‘only one’ and confirmed it was Dawn,” Hadley said.
“Then I had the job of ringing John back and officially confirming his darling daughter had been stabbed to death by this lunatic.”
Hadley said Dawn Singleton was a beautiful, 25-year-old girl who he had known since she was born.
Dawn, who is one of their daughters from Singleton’s marriage with his sixth wife, lawyer Julie Martin, had been planning her imminent wedding.
“Dawnie had on Friday put a deposit down for a wedding dress,” Hadley said.
“She was about to be married to a young police officer, who, as you can imagine, along with John and Julie, are in a dreadful state today trying to come to terms with what happened.”
Hadley said Dawn’s fiancé had been on duty at the time she was killed, and had been sent to the scene at Bondi Westfield Shopping Centre.
“He … was shepherded away by his fellow officers when they realised his fiance was one of the people left devastated and dead,” Hadley said.
“When you think we live in a really safe place, which we do, but every now and then, there’s a realisation that there are bad people out there who want to do bad things to other people.”
If you’re struggling, know that help is available 24/7.
Lifeline: Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online.
Kids Helpline: Call 1800 55 1800 or chat online.
Beyond Blue: Call 1300 22 4636 or chat online.
1800RESPECT: Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or chat online.
MensLine Australia: Call 1300 78 99 78.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
